Descriptio
The objective of this assignment is to write a 3000 words macroeconomic report for a selected country. The report will use data from the World Bank databank, which students are expected to download, organize, and analyze. A key component of this assignment is the creation of graphs and charts using Microsoft Excel to effectively present and interpret the data.
Data
- During the workshop, students will learn how to navigate the World Bank databank efficiently.
- Students will also learn how to use Excel to organize their data and create simple descriptive graphs.
Suggested structure
- Executive summary
- Institutional background: this should be relevant for the analysis of the data. Please do not start from ancient history!
- Economic Growth
- Nominal and Real GDP
- GDP per Capita
- GDP Growth Rate
- Inequality
- Inflation and unemployment
- Inflation Rate (based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) and GDP Deflator)
- Unemployment Rates, broken down by gender, minorities, and other relevant social characteristics.
- Bibliography (APA style)
- Conclusion
Expectations
This assignment emphasizes data-driven analysis, with each section focusing on specific data visualizations.Original graphs must be produced in Excel based on the WB databank.Make sure you define each variable and explain their macroeconomic significance referring to the textbook.
Each graph should be analyzed, starting with an explanation of the variables used, main trends, and specific data points. This analysis should then be contextualized and explained by referring to relevant historical events summarized in the "Country Background" section.
Layout
Use the automatic features available in Word to include a table of contents, a table of figure, page numbers, etc..For each Figure and Table, you must include a caption and refer to it in the text using the Figure number.
You are also encouraged to include:
Picturesto provide a context to your analysis (For example if you talk about inequality you can include a picture of a poor neighborhood).
Focus boxesto add details on specific case studies such as businesses, specific policies, annedocts, etc..